Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Review

The Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner ranks in the top tier of carpet cleaning machines, along with the Bissell Big Green Cleaning Machine and Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Washer for ease of use.

I like using this machine because it eliminates guesswork and is as easy to use as a vacuum cleaner. Plug it in, turn it on, and clean your carpet without measuring solution or changing settings.

The Hoover SmartWash FH52000 has the following features:

• Low Profile Foot to clean under furniture
• Auto CleanMotion Sensing Design
• Automix Technology
• Separate tanks for dirty water, clean water, and cleaning solution
• One Step Removable Nozzle
• Triggerless Handle Design
• Trademarked HeatForce AutoDry technology
• A 5-year warranty

Specifications

• Unit Weight: 18.9 pounds
• Unit Width: 13 inches
• Unit Height: 43.5 inches
• Motor: 10 amp, 120 volt
• Cleaning Path: 12 inches
• Clean Water Capacity: One Gallon
• Detergent Capacity: 20 ounces

 Hoover carpet cleaners and shampooers are lauded by consumers for their construction, features, and longevity. I trust this brand name, and always check out new Hoover models as they become available.

The upright Hoover Smartwash is easy to maneuver. Although it weighs just as much as comparable rug cleaners, it seems lighter because it’s easier to handle.

Features

 The triggerless handle eliminates the need to press a button continuously while you use this cleaner.  The SmartWash mixes the water and cleaning solution automatically. You’ll need to press the on/off switch near the foot pedal, but that’s about it.

There are two dual brush rolls with a helical design. These extended rubber brushes agitate dirt, and the long bristles reach into the carpet. The extended bristles loosen more dirt for a more thorough carpet cleaning.

This machine contains separate tanks for clean water, dirty water, and cleaning solution. Cleaning is more efficient than in machines with tanks that hold both clean and dirty water. Rinse your carpets until they are sparkling clean since you don’t need to worry about the uneven distribution of the cleaning solution.

 The SmartWash offers a low profile so you can clean under couches and beds easily.  You won’t have to waste time moving furniture around when you use this machine. If you need to clean large areas, the 12-inch cleaning width completes tasks faster. The eight-inch hose helps you reach larger areas without lugging the cleaner back and forth.

You’ll like the transparent cleaning nozzle because it lets you see the cleaning solution as it’s being dispensed. You even see how the machine sucks up dirt! Remove the nozzle to wash it. The brush roll is removable, too, so you can clean stuck dirt or pet hair.

Check out this list of the best carpet cleaners of 2021 if you want to see more carpet cleaning options.

Accessories

The Hoover SmartWash has a few accessories. You’ll find a two-in-one pet tool, one bottle of cleaning solution, rubber nub tool, an eight-foot hose, storage bag, and a user manual.

Order the following accessories from the manufacturer to make your life easier.

• A cleaning solution made for your type of carpet or household needs*
• A SpinScrub attachment to remove tough spots and stains
• A crevice tool to clean cushions, corners, and other areas where the nozzle can’t reach.
• A stair tool to widen the path when you shampoo carpet on elevated areas like stairs.

*SmartWash has three special cleaning solutions. Paws and Claws solution is made for households with multiple pets, Renewal Solution deep cleans carpet, and has a fresh linen scent. Free and Clean has a hypoallergenic formula and doesn’t have dyes or fragrances. Oxy Solution breaks down ketchup, grape juice, coffee, and other tough food stains.

What to Expect from the SmartWash

The SmartWash has impressive cleaning powers. It offers two brush rolls to agitate dirt particles and remove them. The long bristles remove dirt from high-pile as well as low pile carpets easily. You’ll need to vacuum carpets thoroughly before using the SmartWash for best results.

AutoMix and AutoClean

 The AutoMix feature ensures that you won’t need to mix any cleaning solution. Everything is done for you automatically. Measuring liquids can slow down the cleaning process. You may use too much water or too much solution.

Fill the SmartWash tanks with liquid- water or cleaning solution – and start operating the machine. You don’t need to measure liquid. Fill up the tank and start cleaning. Your carpet will be cleaned without foam or excess water/solution, causing problems.

 The Auto Clean function means that the machine alternates between washing and drying the carpet automatically.  When you roll the SmartWash forward, the cleaning solution sprays onto the carpet. The brush roll picks up dirt. When you pull the machine back, the unit extracts water and dries the carpet.

You don’t need to press any button on the handle or elsewhere. The cleaning and drying mechanisms start and stop depending on how you move the machine

This cleaner has sensors that determine when the machine extracts sand when it distributes soap. There’s a “Dry Only” button to focus on drying and override the sensors. The “Dry Only” button is a good option if you have a waterlogged carpet.

SmartWash Components and How They Work

The Smartwash can clean your entire house and tackle large, multi-room cleaning jobs.  This machine has a large tank and comes equipped with a long cord, so you don’t need to move the machine from room to room.  The attached hose cleans stairs furniture and other surfaces. This machine works quietly and you can safely use it to clean large areas in one session.

You can plug the Hoover SmartWash into a 120-volt outlet. This machine draws 1200 watts, and the suction is necessary to clean liquid from carpets and perform other functions. The cord is 22 feet long and wraps around the back of the unit.

The Smartwash doesn’t have a dustbin or bag. Dirt and dust are soaked by the water that’s sprayed into the carpet. The dirty water is then sucked into the tank, with debris filtered out as it travels along the suction path. The dirty water tank has a one-gallon capacity. If you have an average-sized room, one gallon is enough to let your shampoo your carpet without interruption. The cleaning solution tank holds 20 ounces.

 The SmartWash has a 10A motor to create a powerful suction that picks up dirty water and debris.  There are two brush rolls that agitate dirt. The rolls rotate in the same direction to better remove debris and dirt.

You’ll need to assemble the SmartWash, but it won’t take long. You won’t need any tools-simply snap the parts together.  The machine comes with a cleaning solution, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store or online order. 

There are two foot-powered switches. You release the handle with a foot-operated lever. Turn the unit on or off with a foot pedal on the bottom side of the machine.

I like the washing and drying automation feature. When you push the machine forward, it wets the carpet and activates drying without the need to press any buttons. This automation keeps your hands free.

You can choose the wash or dry cleaning mode. The dry mode dries the carpet and doesn’t’ apply any cleaning solution. The wash mode rinses the carpet and removes the cleaning solution tank. You can easily remove and clean any of the SmartWash’s tanks.

There’s a tank filter that carries dirty water. Wipe this tank clean and reuse it time after time. If you don’t clean the tank after each use, it can become clogged and affect the tank’s suction.

Warranty and Repair

 The SmartWash comes with a five-year warranty, which covers parts and workmanship. Since most carpet cleaner warranties are only two years, this is a great deal. You’ll need to use the SmartWash solely in your home (or any residence) for the warranty to be valid.

If you need to have your SmartWash repaired, check the Hoover store locator for a dealer near you.

Pros and Cons of the Hoover SmartWash FH52000

The easy to use Hoover SmartWash FH52000 is a good choice if you don’t have a lot of time to spend cleaning your carpet.  Busy professionals and older adults will appreciate the time-saving features offered by this Hoover model.  This machine will clean carpets, heavy rugs, and runners in your house without using lots of solution.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Dries the carpet fasti
• Removable, easy to clean nozzle
• Lightweight
• Automatic mixing and cleaning
• Does a good job of cleaning pet hair

You’ll definitely list the easy to clean, removable nozzle as a plus if you’re always cleaning up sticky messes after parties or kids’ play. You’ll even be able to clean up several messes in one or two passes.

The SmartWash uses air jets to dry your carpet. If you want to dry out an area quickly and avoid mildew, this configuration will help. Pet messes may take two passes before drying completely.

Cons

• Lacks quick clean mode
• Doesn’t have manual detergent spraying mode

The Smartwash could be better at taking water out of carpets, which may result in a slithgly longer drying time.

Although you can use this carpet cleaner on high and low pile rugs, avoid using it on Berber carpet. You won’t be able to adjust the vacuum head height, and this may result in poor cleaning or damage to this type of carpet.

Step by Step User Guide

The Hoover SmartWash gets points from users for its maneuverability and time-saving features. Here’s a step-by-step user guide to demonstrate how the SmartWash will benefit you.

First, put warm tap water in the water tank. Then use Hoover detergent in the detergent tank. (You can use other brands, but you’ll get better results with Hoover solution.) You don’t need to dilute the solution.

As you clean the carpet by pushing the machine forward, go slowly to prevent too much soap from dispensing. One or two passes are good enough for average or moderately soiled areas. The indicator will show “Dry” when you extract and pull the machine back over the carpet. Pull back slowly for better extraction.

Remove the detergent container to rinse. Warm water rinses the carpet as you pull slowly. When the water looks less soapy or soap-free, stop pulling. Rinsing will probably only need two passes.

After you’ve rinsed the area, press the “Dry Only” button close to the handle. Work the area until there’s no more water at the brush head. Your carpets should be dry after about an hour after you use the “Dry Only” feature. ( Use a box fan in the area you’ve cleaned to reduce drying time.)

Press the “Dry Only” button again before working on the next section. This action will disengage it, and you can insert the detergent bottle again.

Rinse the dirty water container, including the red screen and lid when you’re finished. Periodically rinse out the brush headcover.